League: Bristol Corinthians League

Clevedon Utd Vets vs Banjo Munchenbadback

Banjo Report:

Banjo faced the reality of the highest division against a young and skilled Clevedon side. Despite scoring the best goal of the game (from Ryan Bernard) and starting well, Banjo were always chasing the game.

However, the continuous pressure from Clevedon kept them well ahead of the game despite Banjo’s efforts and ultimately a comfortable win.

Dynamos vs Backwell Ath Vets

Dynamos Report:

Dynamos kicked off their league campaign with a hard earned win over Backwell. With keeper Dave protecting his recently inked ‘tramp stamp,’ evergreen striker Adam took over between the sticks. This was a much more even game than the scoreline suggests and only some excellent finishing from Dynamos was the difference on the day. A special mention to Tays who turned his marker inside out before launching a howitzer into the top corner. This was his second great strike of the game, not bad for a full back! Also in the goals were Mike Hope with a really neat finish and one for Neil. Adam ensured a clean sheet denying Backwell with a fine save in the second half, tipping the ball over at full stretch, not bad for a part time keeper! Thanks to Backwell for an enjoyable and competitive game. We know it’ll be a close game in the return match.

Real Madras vs Rapid Dementia

Rapid Dementia Report:

With Real being unable to secure a pitch the fixture was switched to Rapids home ground of Radstock Town and the sunshine was out in force. Rapid were without the injured Darren Bird in goal and looked for an experienced replacement. Being unable to find one, Manager Gregory called upon the services of Kevin Presley, a well known local face with a sense of humour drier than the pitch.

The early calls from the warm up were that ‘the opposition looked decent’ and ‘I’m not happy with these new balls gaffer’ but with 16 fit and healthy squad members Rapid took the field with confidence.

It turned out that the opposition were decent and very organised, Rapid struggled to find a tempo of play but did create the better chances throughout the first half. The pick of which fell to Darren James after Sam Morton found him inside the six yard box, the Real Keeper blocking the shot.

With the heat beating down Rapid used their substitutions to good effect, resting the hard working Roper and James. Both defences marshalled the attacking threats well, Brum and Gay solid and Shaun Emery outstanding.

The second half saw Real grow into the game and again Rapid struggled to find a tempo despite maintaining possession. Chances again were few and far between and neither team looked like breaking the deadlock, and so with the game tied we went into penalties.

With Paul Gays sound words of advice of ‘save them’ ringing in his ears Presley and the five chosen penalty takers once again took to the field. Morton, Dowling and Rusty all went on to convert for Rapid whist Real struck the crossbar twice before Presley finally enacted Pauls words with a one handed save to clinch the game! Final Score 3-1 on pens

A good competitive match played in the right spirit, best of luck to Reals injured player on his recovery and thanks to Darren for his side line treatment!

Real Madras Report:

Hard fought game between to equal sides with few chances between them. The large pitch at Radstock Town fc, the warm weather and the lack of fitness took its toll on the day. We ended up with several injuries the worst being Franco who snapped his ankle ligaments. I have to say thanks to The Rapid Player who took very good care of him.

Chew Magna 45’s vs Recliners FC

Recliners FC Report:

Proverbial game of two halves….Recliners started as poorly as ever been seen….shapeless, ragged….deservedly found themselves 3-0 playing up the mountainous slope. After the water break we switched to 4-5-1 and looked all the better, nicking one back before halftime.

Second half was one way traffic with Recliners dominating completely. Goald from Toby and John levelled it and there looked only one probable winner, until a wayward Chew strike cannoned off their forward and past the stranded Recliners keeper. Recliners lost defender Mark Smith with a broken leg after a whole-hearted 50/50, but stuck to the task and Toby bagged a second with a few minutes left. Recliners were unable to see Chew off and so it was to penalties. Dykes and Price were unable to covert so out we went 3-2 on pens. Game played in reasonable spirit aside from the need for one Yellow card and protracted moaning at the ref by a couple of players.

chew Magna Report:

Very much a game of two halves Chew used the downhill momentum well and established a 3-0 lead through two goals from Lewis and 1 from R. Smith. Recliners pulled one back just before half time and then the pattern reversed in the second half. Recliners took control and very soon levelled to make it 3-3 and then laid siege to the Chew goal. The game was in balance as keeper Keen kept recliners at bay and Chew missed a couple of chances on the break before scoring a deflected goal by M. Smith. Just when it looked that Chew would hold out for the win Recliners equalised to bring the game to a fitting climax. Keen was strong in goal and saved two, while 4 fine penalties from Lewis, M. Smith, Green and finally Coppell to secured the win and take Chew through to the quarters 4-2.
A Competitive and topsy turvy game,  played in  good spirit generally.

Thornbury Town Vets vs Avon Retreads

Avon Report:

Another glorious Sunday morning. An enjoyable game although the Retreads were under the cosh in the second half with TT’s attackers more youthful than our defence and the keeper arguably man of the match with some terrific saves.